UV curable micro-structured shape memory epoxy with tunable performance

Micro-structured shape memory polymer (SMP) surfaces are indispensable in various applications. Epoxy polymer emerged as an ideal candidate for SMP surfaces due to its low curing shrinkage and superior thermo-mechanical properties. In this study, we develop a UV curable epoxy system with tunable glass transition temperature and superior shape memory performance. The glass transition temperatures can widely range from 49 to 164 degrees C by simply tuning the ratio of two comonomers. All samples possess excellent shape fixity, shape recovery ratios, and cycling stability. The synergy of the moldable liquid epoxy precursors and the spatiotemporal UV light allows shape memory epoxy with both surface microstructures and complex macro-geometries. We anticipate this UV curable epoxy will expand the scopes of surface shape memory applications.

Automated summary

The study developed a UV curable epoxy system with tunable glass transition temperature and superior shape memory performance by simply adjusting the ratio of two comonomers. All samples exhibited excellent shape fixity, shape recovery ratios, and cycling stability. This UV curable epoxy is expected to expand the scopes of surface shape memory applications.